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Extinct (EX) – No known individuals remaining.

Extinct in the Wild (EW) – Known only to survive in captivity, or as a naturalized population outside its historic range.

Critically Endangered (CR) – Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Endangered (EN) – High risk of extinction in the wild.

Vulnerable (VU) – High risk of endangerment in the wild.

Near Threatened (NT) – Likely to become endangered in the near future.

Least Concern (LC) – Lowest risk. Does not qualify for a higher risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

Data Deficient (DD) – Not enough data to make an assessment of its risk of extinction.

Not Evaluated (NE) – Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.

Pigeon Guillemots

Common Name: Pigeon Guillemots

Scientific Name:Cepphus columba

Distribution:

Five distinct subspecies are recognized; three occur in Alaska and all but one occurs in North America. Cepphus columba columba breeds from Kamchatka to the Bering Strait, C. c. kaiurka is found on the west-central Aleutian and Commander Islands, and C. c. adianta breeds from the central Aleutian Islands to Washington State.

Conservation Status:

The estimated world population is about 235,000 and at least 50% breed in Alaska. Population trends are difficult to track unless a significant event such as the Exxon Valdez oil spill occurs. Efforts to better understand the population include more systematic surveys, minimize impacts of gillnet fisheries, and reduce disturbances at colonies.

Average Wingspan: 18 inches

Average Weight: 450 grams

Plumage Description:

During the summer breeding season, adults have dark bodies and white wing patches crossed by a small black wedge; their feet are red, as is the mouth lining within their pointed dark bill. In the winter, the birds lighten and become salt and pepper in coloring, making them resemble juvenile birds.

Diet in the Wild: fish, squid, crustaceans, and marine worms

Number of Eggs Per Clutch: 2 eggs

Incubation Period: 25-33 days

Habitat:

This species nests along rocky coastlines from California to Alaska and along the eastern shores of Siberia. Pigeon Guillemots are flexible in their nest site selection and will use remote offshore islands or onshore sites. They are subtidal and nearshore foraging birds that often use intertidal rocks.